The MATLET Group -- Power of the Press

The transactions largely did not benefit most of the participants. Quebecor World, struggling with myriad issues, filed for bankruptcy at the end of 2007. And Grafikom, which Beikmanis and his investors paid US$44 million to acquire and create, fell into receivership late last year.

The MATLET Group, on the other hand, is sailing along on the strength of more than just cautious optimism. Stiffler is a firm believer in autonomy at the local plant level. “You have to let people spread their wings, so to speak, for their facilities to grow and prosper,” he contends. But, he also believes that in order to grow and prosper, you need the right tools for the job.